Golfing target

ABSTRACT

A game which may be played indoors or outdoors by two or more players who first select a card from a stack of cards containing instructions to follow in driving a golf ball by a putter from a selected location to a target consisting of a plurality of different ramps radiating outwardly from a central recess or pocket. The cards each have a numerical figure differing from the others thereby indicating the position or turn which each player assumes and further contain instructions for that player to follow, which instructions simulate hazards encountered during a normal golf game. The ramp and target assembly consists of a plurality of separate and distinct ramps each radiating outwardly from the target and having an upper contour surface of selected characteristics with each ramp being differently identified such that each player, from the card selected, may determine which one of the plurality of ramps must be used by that player in the final approach during driving the ball to the target cup. A downwardly extending flange at the upper end of each ramp is clampingly secured between two concentric rings forming the target assembly. One of the concentric rings may be the annular part of the putting cup, in which case the cup may be clampingly engaged to the ramp flanges in either the conventional cupforming position or in an inverted position so that the bottom wall of the cup forms a horizontal surface at the upper ends of the ramps.

United States Patent 72 Inventor Hubert F. Mulherin 7 St. Louis Street, Edmundston, New Brunswick, Canada [21] Appl. No. 863,115

[22] Filed Oct. 2, 1969 [45] Patented Oct. 5, 1971 [54] GOLFING TARGET Primary Examiner-George J. Marlo Attorney-Lilling & Siege] ABSTRACT: A game which may be played indoors or outdoors by two or more players who first select a card from a stack of cards containing instructions to follow in driving a golf ball by a putter from a selected location to a target consisting of a plurality of different ramps radiating outwardly from a central recess or pocket. The cards each have a numerical figure differing from the others thereby indicating the position or turn which each player assumes and further contain instructions for that player to follow, which instructions simulate hazards encountered during .a normal golf game. The ramp and target assembly consists of a plurality of separate and distinct ramps each radiating outwardly from the target and having an upper contour surface of selected characteristics with each ramp being differently identified such that each player, from the card selected, may determine which one of the plurality of ramps must be used by that player in the final approach during driving the ball to the target cup. A downwardly extending flange at the upper end of each ramp is clampingly secured between two concentric rings forming the target assembly. One of the concentric rings may be the annular part of the putting cup, in which case the cup may be clampingly engaged to the ramp flanges in either the conventional cup-forming position or in an inverted position so that 1 the bottom wall of the cup forms a horizontal surface at the upper ends of the ramps.

2 Claims, 7 Drawing Figs.

[52] 11.8. C1 273/178 R, 273/135, 273/176 AA [51] Int. Cl A63b 57/00 [50] Field of Search 273/177, 178,179,180,127,176, 87, 87.2, 87.4

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,606,028 8/1952 Zion 273/178 R X FOREIGN PATENTS 25,751 1913 Great Britain 273/176 B 571,579 8/1945 Great Britain 273/176 B i I I 1 I I I N Ly PATENWEB MRI 5mm SHEH 1 []F Q M/VENTOR BY W PATENTED 0m 5 |97l sum 2 or 4 INVENTOR HUBERT F. MULl-IER/N BY 44 Z Qmrromvavs PATENIEU um 515m SHEET 3 UF 4 FIG. 4

INVENTOR HUBERT F. MULHER/N 4 T TORNE Y5 PATENTEDIJBI 5|97| 3.610.631

' SHEET 8 BF 4 FIG. 7

INVENTOR HUBERT F. MULHERl/V K)- BY I M ATTORNE Y6 GOLFING TARGET This invention relates to a game which may be played indoors or out on a relatively small area.

There are numerous indoor-outdoor games, for example, those simulating golf which are known, and an object of the present invention is to provide improved apparatus for use in such game and a further principal object is to provide a game simulating golf but which is a modified version of the same.

Accordingly, in accordance with one aspect of the invention, there is provided a central target and a plurality of ramps separate one from the other and radiating outwardly from said central target, each of said ramps having a surface contour differing from that of the other ramps.

In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a game of skill and chance which includes a plurality of cards for random selection by participants of the game, each of which card contains instructions to follow in playing the game and is numbered in numerical value different from the remaining cards, a movable object such as a disc or ball for respectively sliding or rolling along a playing surface, a striker for use in driving said object, and a target to which said object is driven by successive blows to the latter by said striker, said target comprising a central area having a plurality of ramps radiating outwardly therefrom and each differently identified. The game of skill and chance may be further restricted by including ramps which have a surface contour of selected characteristics.

The invention is illustrated by way of drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is an oblique view illustrating the components of a game in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged oblique view of one of the components illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIGS. 3 to 6 inclusive are cross-sectional views taken substantially along the centerline of respective ones of four ramps illustrated in FIG. 2 in a direction radiating outwardly from a center annular member to which they are attached;

FIG. 3 is a section substantially along line 3-3 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a section substantially along line 44 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a section substantially along line 5-5 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a section substantially along line 6-6 of FIG. 2; and

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken substantially along section 7-7 of FIG. 2.

Referring now in detail to the drawings, there is diagrammatically illustrated in FIG. 1 all of the components for a game of skill and chance in keeping with the present invention, and including four spherical balls designated respectively, R, G, B and W, four clubs designated 10, 11, 12 and 13, a stack of cards 20, a target 30 having four ramps 40, 50, 60 and 70 radiating outwardly therefrom and supported on a playing surface 80. Located at a position remote from the target and ramp assembly is a flag 90 designating a common starting place for each of four different players participating and using respectively clubs I0, 11, l2,and 13. The playing surface 80 may be a normal smooth-surfaced floor, a grass-covered surface or artificial surface such as concrete, tarmac or the like located indoors or outdoors, or various combinations thereof. If desired, obstacles may be placed on the playing surface 80 between the starting area and the target and ramp assembly 30 to 70 inclusive.

The balls R, G, B and W are preferably normal golf balls colored respectively red, green, brown and white corresponding to similarly colored identification, for example the handles, on respective clubs l0, l1, l2 and 13. Each club, which may also be called a stroker, is similar to and may even be a golf putter consisting of a normal shank l4 and club head 15 attached to the lower end thereof. Each club head 15 is approximately 4 inches in length, 1 inch high, and preferably has the angle between the head and shaft approximately 105. The shaft may be of any materialand of different size, for example, half-inch diameter metal tube, extending from the head 15 approximately 28 inches. Various lengths of course, may be used depending upon a comfortable height selected in relation to a player's height. The game is intended to be played by persons 6 years old and over, male or female, and accordingly various clubs may be made of different sizes and weights for selection by the participant deemed to enhance the skill by such participant utilized in playing the game.

The cards 20 may be of any number in quantity and are called hazard cards, each card bearing an identification different from the remaining cards and containing instructions for the participant selecting the card to carry out during playing of one hole. A set of cards preferably consists of 24 having printed instructions on the face thereof and bearing identifications numbered one to 24 inclusive. The instructions for example, on the 24 cards, preferably are as follows:

1. Tree Hazard-Ball landed under a tree. To play this hole, hold club in your right hand only.

2. Bush HazardBall landed under a bush. To play this hole, hold club in your left hand only.

3. Sloped-Land I-Iazard-Ball landed on a sloped hill. To play this hole, stand on your left foot only.

4. Pathway I-IazardBall landed on side of pathway. To play this hole, stand on your right foot only.

5. Heavy Rough Hazard-Ball landed in heavy bushes. To play this hole, stand with your back to the hole and play the ball between your legs.

6. Dense Hedge Hazard-Ball landed under a thick hedge. You must play this hole from a kneeling position.

7. Side-of-Hill Lie-Ball landed on side of a hill. To play this hole, place your left hand below right to stroke ball.

8. Rocky Ground Hazard-Ball landed among large rocks. To play this hole, place right hand below left to stroke ball.

9. Dog Leg to the Left-To play this hole, keep your left eye closed while you stroke the ball.

10. Dog Leg to the Right-To play this hole, keep your right eye closed while you stroke the ball.

11. Sand I-IazardBall landed in sand. trap. To play this hole, stand on right foot only and hold the club in your left hand only.

12. Soft Ground Hazard-Ball half buried in soft ground. To play this hole, stand on left foot only and hold club in your right hand only.

13. Divot Hazard-Ball landed in divot hole. To play this hole, hold club in left hand only, use back stroke.

14. Footprint Hazard-Ball landed in deep footprint. To play this hole, hold club in right hand only, use back stroke.

15. Beautiful Shot-Straight down the middle. Play this hole in the most comfortable position.

16. Birdie-Reduce score on this hole by one stroke.

17. Screen Shot-After first stroke, move ball 2 feet further away from hole before continuing, add one stroke to score.

18. Eagle-Reduce score on the hole by two strokes.

l9. Hole-in-One-Score one stroke only for this hole.

20. Played Wrong Ball-Add one-stroke penalty to your score on this hole.

2 1. Real Tough Hole-Bad trouble all the way. Count each stroke double on this hole.

22. Blind Shot-To play this hole, line up your shot, then close both eyes while you stroke the ball.

23. Out of Bounds-Bad luck, add two strokes to your score on this hole.

24. Low Handicap-To play this hole, hold the shaft of the club no further than 12 inches from the head.

The target 30, in one embodiment, is a hole or cup having an upper edge located vertically above the playing surface and, in another embodiment, may be a flat horizontal surface raised vertically above the playing surface. In the preferred embodiment, the target 30 is a hole provided by a cup member 31 having a bottom 32 and an annular peripheral upstanding rim 33. The rim is preferably approximately 4 inches in diameter and 1 inch above the bottom 32. It may be made of any suitable material, for example sheet metal, synthetic rigid plastic or the like. Located in concentric relation with respect to the flange 33 is an annular ring 34 corresponding in width to height of the annular rim 33 but of smaller diameter than the latter so as to be spaced inwardly therefrom, such space providing means for detachably securing the ramps to the target in a manner to be described hereinafter.

In the alternative embodiment where the target is a flat surface raised above the playing surface, the ring 34 is of a diameter greater than the rim 33 and accordingly is located in concentric circumscribing relation with respect thereto in spaced relation similarly to provide means for locking the ramps thereto in the same manner as will be described hereinafter. Locating member 34 in circumscribing relation with respect to rim 33 permits inverting the member 31 such that the bottom wall 32 may be located at the top edge of the rim 33 with reference to FIG. 7, and at a vertical elevation corresponding to the upper edge of the ramps to be described hereinafter to provide a flat, raised surface for the target area.

The ramps 40, 50, 60 and 70 may also be referred to as greens, and for purposes of the game bear further distinguishing designations respectively, 1, 3, 2 and 4, which, for example, may be printed on the surface. The four ramps are preferably approximately l2 inches long radiating outwardly from the target 30 and at the point of engagement therewith have an arc plan view length corresponding to a quarter segment of the target such that when attached thereto, the ramps are in abutting relation with respect to one another. The target end of each ramp accordingly is are shaped in plan view having a length approximately 3.14 inches when using a target with member 34 having an outside diameter of 4 inches. The target end of the ramps have a downwardly directed lip or flange designated respectively 41, 51, 61 and 71 for respective ramps 40, 50, 60 and 70 (see FIGS. 3 to 6). The lips 41, 51, 61 and 71 are similarly arc shaped in plan view corresponding in respective inner and outer diameters to the outer and inner diameters of members 34 and 33 illustrated in FIG. 7. The space between members 34 and 33 corresponds to approximately twice the thickness of one of the lips 41, 51, 61 and 71 such that when all four lips are inserted into the space between the members 33 and 34, they are held in assembled relation clampingly between the members 34 and 33. The ramps 40, 50, 60 and 70 have respective outer ends 42, 52, 62 and 72 at the other end which lies flat on and engages the playing surface 80. The ramps slope upwardly from the playing surface 80 to the upper edge of the 1 inch high target member 31 and have a surface contour differing from the others such that there is, in effect, provided (four, in the instant case) different and discrete paths radiating out from the target and having a surface contour which differs from the surface contour of the others.

Ramp 40 includes an undulating surface 43 extending from the outer edge 42 to the lip 41 and is flanked on opposed sides by upstanding respective flanges 44 and 45. In plan view ramp 40 is of almost uniform width through its length, tapering slightly outwardly such that terminal end 42 is slightly wider than the inner terminal end. The undulating bottom surface 43 includes a trough portion 46 located intermediate a pair of adjacent crests 47 and 48 spaced inwardly from respective terminal ends 41 and 42.

The ramp 50 has a substantially straight, flat bottom wall 54 flanked on opposed sides by upstanding marginal flanges 55 and 56 which diverge outwardly from the target to provide a ramp with an outer marginal edge substantially wider than ramp 40. The outer marginal edge 52 is interrupted by a notch flanked by an upstanding flange 57 and thereby providing two different approaches to the surface area 54 of the ramp.

The ramp 60 has a bottom wall 63 extending from the outer terminal edge 62 to the inner lip 61 and is flanked on opposite marginal edges by opposed upstanding flanges 64 and 65 bowed outwardly in a direction away from one another in plan view as illustrated in FIG. 2. The bottom wall 63 includes a raised area designated generally as 64 in FIG. 2 on one side, and adjacent the opposite marginal edge 65 and a depressed area designated generally 638. The marginal edge 62 is slightly longer than the inner terminal end and the width of the ramp therebetween is substantially greater than the length of either of the terminal ends.

The ramp has a bottom wall 73 extending from the outer marginal edge 72 to the inner rim 7] and, as in the other embodiment, is formed integral therewith. The bottom wall 73 terminates at opposed marginal edges at respective opposed upstanding flanges 74 and 75 which diverge outwardly away from one another in a direction away from the target 30. The outer terminal end 72 accordingly is substantially greater in length than the inner terminal end. The bottom wall 73, as illustrated in FIG. 6, is substantially flat in a major portion of its length from the outer end 72 toward the flange 71 and is curved sharply upwardly adjacent the latter. The bottom wall 73 has an aperture 75 located therein which is flanked by upstanding flange sections 76, 77, 78 and 79 thereby effectively dividing the ramp into two separate paths which may be followed from the outer edge 72 to the target 30.

To play the game, there is a starting area selected on the playing surface 80 which, in the instant case, is designated and identified by the flag 90. The flag is a planar member standing on a pair of legs 91 supported on the playing surface 80. The game may be played, as previously indicated, by persons 6 years old or over, male or female, in groups of two, three, four or more persons at a time and combines skill with luck. To commence, the ramps of four greens are locked in the outer rim of the target and the assembly of target and ramps is placed on the floor or ground in a clear area so that the target is well removed from other obstructions. The cards are then shuffled and placed face down in a pack and each player selects a stroker of his choice and a ball, the latter of which is designated to distinguish it from the other balls. The players decide on the number of holes they wish to play six, nine, l2, 15, or a full game of golf, 18 holes. Each player in turn picks up the top card showing it to the other players and then sets his card down, face up, and the number on the card determines the position that the player mumes and which green must be used by that player over which the ball must be driven to the target hole. The player, for example with the lowest number on the card, plays first using similarly the green bearing the lowest number, in the instant case number 1. This player is then followed by the next player having the second lowest number who, in turn, must use a different ramp as an approach to the target and which, in the instant case, would be ramp number 2. The third player uses ramp number 3 and in the case of four players, the last player uses ramp number 4 as an approach to the target hole. All players play in accordance with instructions printed on the cards which, in effect, are hazards simulating those encountered in a normal game of golf.

After a suitable starting area has been selected, flag 90 is placed at a position remote from the target and ramp assembly and as variations to the game different obstacles may be placed between the starting area 90 and the target such as, for example, books, chairs, newspapers, or the like.

The game thus far described is one of chance and at this point reverts to a game of skill in that each player in turn, as in golf, drives his selected ball to the target area by striking successive blows using the club. The total number of strokes with respect to each hole is recorded for totaling later to determine the winner. After each player has played out the first hole, a further hazard card is selected and again the respective players must use a ramp designated by the selected card. Each player further must follow hazard instructions on the selected card and again drive his selected ball from the starting area 90 to the target 30.

There are numerous variations and special conditions which may be agreed upon during play, preferably following closely conditions set down for a normal outdoor game of golf. A complete set of playing instructions including special conditions may be as follows.

To play the game, the two, three or four players prepare the game by placing the four greens in their proper places on the oumide rim of the hole. They then place the hole and attached greens on the floor or ground in the center of a room or cleared place on the ground so that the hole is at least 3 feet from any wall or object so that the players can stroke their ball to their respective greens from any position. One player then shufiles all the hazard cards thoroughly and places them face down in a pack (like a pack of cards). Each player then selects a stroker and a similarly colored ball with which he will play the entire game. The players decide the number of holes they want to play (six, nine, 12, or the full game 18 holes). Then each player in turn picks up the top card of the hazard deck or pack and shows it to the other players. He then sets his card down face up and from the number on the top front'of his card he will determine which position he plays and which green he uses to the hole. The player who has the lowest number plays first and uses green number 1, the player with the second lowest number plays second and uses green number 2, the player with the third lowest number plays third and uses green number 3, and the remaining player plays last and uses green number 4. All the players must play according to the instructions printed on the hazard cards for each hole. (Should there be less than four players, they can alternate the greens if they choose.) Once these simple preparations have been made then one player places the tee on the floor or ground at a spot decided on by all the players. To add more interest to the game it is preferable to place the tee at a spot not in a direct line with the hole (around a doorway or behind a chair, etc.). Objects such as books, chairs or newspapers can be placed in line with the hole so that the players can play over or under or around these objects to get to the hole.

The game can now begin. The first player places his ball in line with or behind the tee and strokes his ball with his stroker in accordance with the instructions on his hazard card. The second player then plays his shot. Then the third and the fourth. Then each player in turn plays his second shot, then his next and so on. The first one to place his ball in the hole picks it up and totals his strokes for the hole and waits for all the players to finish the hole. The players then place their hazard cards face down in a discard pile and then they choose a second card in the same manner as they choose their first card. They follow the same procedure to determine their order of play and following the number on the cards they can determine which green they are going to use. They then play according to the instructions on the card until they finish that hole, then play all successive holes until the game is completed. The players then total the score and the player who completed the game in the fewest number of strokes wins the game. When all the hazard cards are used, one player reshuffles them and places them face down on the table and the players each choose the top card as before. Each hole is begun from behind the tee and the score is totaled according to the number of strokes used to place the ball in the hole and adding or reducing strokes according to the instructions on the hazard cards. A full game is 18 holes and a short game is nine holes. The players may choose any other length of game if they want to.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS Should the ball stop against a wall or object and is impossible to play with the stroker from this spot, then the player may move the ball no more than 1 foot from the object but not in a direct line with the hole; he can then proceed to play but he must add one stroke to his score on this hole. Any time a player moves a ball with anything other than his stroker he must add one stroke to his score. Should one player's ball strike another player's ball, he must replace the hit ball in its original position. He then must place his own ball 1 foot farther back from the hole and behind the other ball he hit. He must add a one-stroke penalty to his score on that hole.

Should a player strike another player's ball with his foot, hand or club, he must replace the ball in its original position and add a one-stroke penalty to his score on this hole.

Balls can be played off walls or objects without penalty except for the rule above.

Should a player stroke his ball up the wrong green, he must replace the ball at the spot he played from and add a onestroke nalty to his score on this hole.

Shou d a player not conform to the instructions on the hazard card, he must replace the ball on the spot he played from and replay the stroke according to the instruction and add a one-stroke penalty to his score on this hole.

A junior game can be played according to the foregoing rules but not using the hazard cards.

I claim:

1. A target and ramp assembly for use in a simulated game of golf comprising a member providing a central target area, and a plurality of separate and distinct ramps radiating outwardly therefrom, each of said ramps having a surface contour differing from that of the other ramps, and said target member comprising a pair of concentric sleeves disposed in selected spaced relation and each of said ramps radiating outwardly therefrom including a downwardly directed flange clampingly disposed between said sleeves and thereby detachably securing the target and ramps in assembled relation.

2. A target and ramp assembly as defined in claim 1 wherein the inner ring of said concentric rings includes a bottom wall which, in one position, provides a cup located at adjacent terminal ends of the ramps and in an inverted position, provides a flat substantially horizontal surface disposed substantially at the same elevation as the adjacent end surfaces of said ramps. 

1. A target and ramp assembly for use In a simulated game of golf comprising a member providing a central target area, and a plurality of separate and distinct ramps radiating outwardly therefrom, each of said ramps having a surface contour differing from that of the other ramps, and said target member comprising a pair of concentric sleeves disposed in selected spaced relation and each of said ramps radiating outwardly therefrom including a downwardly directed flange clampingly disposed between said sleeves and thereby detachably securing the target and ramps in assembled relation.
 2. A target and ramp assembly as defined in claim 1 wherein the inner ring of said concentric rings includes a bottom wall which, in one position, provides a cup located at adjacent terminal ends of the ramps and in an inverted position, provides a flat substantially horizontal surface disposed substantially at the same elevation as the adjacent end surfaces of said ramps. 